As cyber criminals increasingly target schools, cybersecurity experts and district leaders caution that a strong Identity and Access Management (IAM) solution is no longer optional—it's essential. In a recent EdTech article, Ed Skoudis, president of the SANS Technology Institute, emphasized how crucial IAM is in education stating that multifactor authentication and role-based access control strategies are “indispensable in K–12 schools for safeguarding sensitive information.”
Otus and ClassLink have partnered to create a seamless digital learning environment that enhances access to educational technologies and improves data management for educators. By integrating Otus' student performance tools with ClassLink's identity management and analytics platform, this collaboration brings numerous benefits to schools and districts:
The Department of Justice has issued a game-changing update to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Now, schools at every level—from early childhood through postsecondary institutions—must ensure all digital learning resources are fully accessible to students with disabilities.
Keep reading to find details about new cost-saving deals from our vendor friends, a listing of the latest apps added to our App Library, and a list of our latest Certified Partners. Plus, be sure to check out our important security reminder!
Now that you've settled into a new school year, it's time to look at where you've been with ClassLink and where you want to go. Read on to learn how to use our annual review process to expand your success with ClassLink. Then, register for our next Admin Meetup to learn how you can make impactful data-driven decisions with our latest Analytics updates.
Ransomware attacks on K-12 schools increased by 92% last year, causing an average downtime of 12 days and costing nearly $550,000 per day. These daunting numbers are especially challenging for schools already stretched thin with small security teams and shrinking budgets.
Welcome to the ClassLink Events blog series—your insider guide to our latest event happenings! Whether you’re looking for early bird notifications or on-demand access, this is your go-to spot for all ClassLink-sponsored event updates.
CLON 2025, ClassLink’s annual conference, is a crucial event for ed-tech leaders. It will be held from March 4 to 6, 2025, in Dallas, TX. CLON addresses evolving educational challenges by gathering technology leaders from across the nation to tackle pressing issues in modern education.
Christy Cloud, an innovative educator, sparked a global movement when she created superhero avatars using Microsoft Designer. Her creation, known as the EduGuardians, went viral among teachers, leading to the formation of a unique and growing community of educators worldwide.
Dive into everything you need to know to start your school year off right. We're covering the exciting relaunch of ClassLink Academy and the latest course updates. Plus, we're highlighting our Learning & Development awards. Let's explore what's happening at ClassLink Academy!
Keep reading to find details about new cost-saving deals from our vendor friends, a listing of the latest apps added to our App Library, and a list of our latest Certified Partners. Plus, be sure to check out our important security reminder!
Do you have plans on March 4-6, 2025? Picture yourself in sunny Dallas, Texas, connecting with fellow edtech leaders and learning from ClassLink experts in a vibrant and dynamic environment. This will be the scene at CLON 2025 — an event filled with genuine connections, practical solutions, and unwavering support.
Recognizing the hard work of exceptional colleagues is not just about acknowledging their achievements; it's about creating a culture of appreciation, boosting morale, and reinforcing the importance of ongoing professional development. That's where CLON’s Learning & Development Awards come in!
Many are concerned about the latest advancements in AI, especially when it comes to education. That's where Ken Shelton and Dee Lanier come in. Both are optimistic about AI's potential while still acknowledging its potential challenges.
Do you have plans on March 4-6, 2025? Picture yourself in sunny Dallas, Texas, connecting with fellow edtech leaders and learning from ClassLink experts in a vibrant and dynamic environment. This will be the scene at CLON 2025 — an event filled with genuine connections, practical solutions, and unwavering support.
Whether you're new to ClassLink or you've been in your ClassLink era for a while, you'll want to use these five resources. Hand-picked by our engagement team, these handy tips and tools will answer your most frequently asked questions and save time as you prepare to start a new school year with ClassLink.
It's back-to-school season, and we're here to help! ClassLink Academy offers a range of courses to ensure a smooth start to your school year. With its fresh new look, we hope ClassLink Academy becomes your go-to destination for ClassLink training.
Keep reading to find details about new cost-saving deals from our vendor friends, a listing of the latest apps added to our App Library, and a list of our latest Certified Partners. Plus, be sure to check out our important security reminder!
Being an effective ally can take many forms, whether it's encouraging the correct use of pronouns or engaging in meaningful conversations with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. In this episode, we accompany Jack Jordan as they reveal their personal ties to their advocacy, highlight the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, and demystify the essence of true allyship.
Over the past year, the rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked both excitement and concern in the K12 education sector. As school and district leaders, it's crucial to understand the implications of this technology and develop a comprehensive strategy to harness its potential while safeguarding academic integrity.
You know that feeling you get when you leave an event or a conference that delivered exactly what you needed? You're energized, full of ideas, and ready to implement all the new things you learned. That feeling will be in the air at CLON 2025–ready and waiting for you to breathe it in.
School is wrapping up (or already done), and you're busy, so let's get straight to the helpful stuff. This summer, we're holding four practical Admin Meetups designed to help you prepare for the new school year without feeling overwhelmed. We've also launched new multi-state online communities to help you connect with and learn from your ClassLink community.
Regardless of your opinion on AI, it is here to stay. When used effectively, AI can significantly enhance education in various ways, from boosting student confidence to facilitating rapid brainstorming sessions that help students articulate their ideas.
Have you ever wondered who's accessing digital resources in your schools? What they're accessing? How much learning time is spent using each instructional resource? If you're getting a return on your digital resource investments? If you have, ClassLink Analytics is for you!
Single Sign-on applications that use SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) require a certificate for authentication and security purposes. These SAML certificates authenticate and secure SAML requests, responses, and assertions between software systems. Within LaunchPad, SAML applications utilize the ClassLink Certificate, which requires renewal annually at the end of July.
It's May, which means the countdown to the end of the school year is on. Now is the time to plan for your SIS data rollover–steps 3 and 4 in the Back to School checklist. Whether this is your first time going through this process with ClassLink or you need a refresher, we're here to help. Here's what we recommend you do this month.
As summer approaches, we're excited to add an extra ray of sunshine to your day with the latest updates from ClassLink Academy. Embracing the spirit of fresh starts, we're thrilled to unveil a brand-new course designed to assist ClassLink Admins in transitioning from Active Directory to cloud-based authentication. Plus, we're inviting you to be part of shaping our new LMS! Join us as we explore what's on the horizon. Let's dive into what's new!
CLON 2025, ClassLink’s annual conference, is going LIVE March 4-6, 2024 in Dallas, TX. As preparations ramp up, we've created this new blog series to help you make the most of this exciting opportunity to connect, learn, and collaborate with your ClassLink community.
We've added a new feature to ClassLink Audit Center just in time for the busy transition between school years. The new Back to School (BTS) Checklist in Audit Center helps your school district be more efficient and organized during one of the busiest (and most chaotic) times of the school year.
We're excited to share that we've added 36 new apps to the ClassLink App Library and teamed up with 12 new Certified Partners! Plus this month, we're adding something new to our blog posts–now you can find a list of all our new apps and our latest partners. Scan the list to see who you want to add to your LaunchPad!
Support among women is increasingly crucial in today's landscape. While mentorship is a well-known concept, sponsorship offers a deeper level of backing in the workplace. This involves active advocacy, ensuring women receive proper recognition for their contributions, and leveraging one’s position to help others.
In the ever-evolving realm of edtech, the looming menace of directory scraping, an automated data extraction process, demands a proactive defense. You can count on us to give you the ins and outs of directory scoping – the secret weapon you didn't know your school needed.
Before you head out for what we hope is a rejuvenating spring break, we have exciting news to share. We're giving ClassLink Academy a brand-new look and feel! We're also highlighting a new course for ClassLink Administrators who are taking on new roles and sharing a ton of great help center articles for learning on the go! Let's take a look at what's blossoming at ClassLink Academy!
In the bustling borough of Brooklyn, amidst the vibrant tapestry of cultures and dreams, Yaritza Villalba emerged as more than a high school teacher. Her trajectory from the confines of a classroom to the expansive realm of global collaboration epitomizes the transformative power of education.
Are you a ClassLink Administrator who wants to take your cybersecurity skills to the next level? We've got you covered with our Security Awareness and IAM course anthologies. Click the links below to explore our ClassLink Academy courses.
March is synonymous with literacy - National Reading Month, Listening Awareness Month, and even National March into Literacy Month! Inspire students to embrace creativity, articulate thoughts, and harness the strength of their voices.
We are thrilled to bring you the latest in ClassLink Academy with just a few updates to keep your school year running smoothly. We'll shine a spotlight on a Roster Server course to help your SIS. But that's not all – we want to hear from you! ClassLink Academy is getting a makeover, and we need your valuable insights to make that happen. Let's make education even more accessible and enjoyable together!
Are you planning to change your ClassLink Authentication method during the summer rollover? There's a lot to consider. Planning for a smooth transition starts now, so we're sharing tips and resources below. (PS: We recommend you make Auth changes during your summer rollover to avoid disruptions, but you probably already knew that!)
It's a big month for partnerships! We've added 26 new apps to the ClassLink App Library, teamed up with 14 new Certified Partners, and earned Project Unicorn's highest level of certification for interoperability. Read on to learn about all of our latest announcements.
Are you moving to a new Student Information System? Now is the time to start preparing so you can limit impacts on students and staff. Plus, you'll want to give vendors plenty of notice before they get swamped with the busy end-of-year and back-to-school season.
In the wake of the rapid advancements in generative AI technologies, the discourse surrounding artificial intelligence has become a subject of intense controversy. From concerns about AI replacing creative jobs to its potential to compromise student integrity through cheating, apprehensions abound.
It's a big month for partnerships! We've added 26 new apps to the ClassLink App Library, teamed up with 14 new Certified Partners, and earned Project Unicorn's highest level of certification for interoperability. Read on to learn about all of our latest announcements.
It may be chilly outside, but we have plenty of things to keep you cozy at ClassLink Academy! We're giving you the latest on the Learning and Development Awards and spotlighting a few brilliant new courses. Grab a warm drink, curl up, and see what's new at ClassLink. ☕
As leaders, we have big goals for our schools. We want to protect private data, ensure equitable access to learning, increase operational efficiencies, and loads more. But to achieve these goals, we need a clear and accurate picture of the current situation and a roadmap for improvement.
Do you have a keen interest in keeping up with the latest developments in educational technology? Look no further! Our weekly Academy webinars are customized for edtech enthusiasts like you. Join us and explore a world of insights, where we uncover the best practices for using ClassLink products and delve into the latest trends that are shaping the digital learning landscape.
Arriving to class on time, museum trips, and providing fellow students with Kleenex are traits of a great student; however, these should not be measures that are taken into consideration when teachers provide the final grade. In fact, these practices cause more harm than good regarding grading accuracy and equity.
In today's fast-paced world, traditional educational systems often struggle to keep up with the rapid advancements in technology, especially in fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and virtual and augmented reality. Schools can find themselves lagging five to eight years behind real-world innovations due to outdated curricula that adhere to the status quo.
Stand out as a ClassLink Pro among your colleagues (and potential employers) with our new ClassLink Professional Certification Series. The series consists of four Professional (Pro) Certification exams: Roster Server, Analytics, OneSync, and LaunchPad CMC.
As the leaves fall from the trees this season, it’s the perfect time for you to fall into some spectacular courses in ClassLink Academy! 🍂 Check out our Scope Your Google Directory and Identity and Access Management (IAM) courses to brush up on your safety skills just in time for Cybersecurity Month. Plus, it’s never too late to become a Certified Cybersecurity Rubric Evaluator. Get comfortable and enjoy a nice cozy mug of what’s happening at ClassLink Academy! ☕
It is imperative that the curriculum in modern schools evolves to meet the dynamic needs of students on a global scale. By embracing a holistic educational system, children of all backgrounds can engage in a learning process that not only equips them with essential knowledge but also empowers them to discover their unique talents and how they can contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world!
Back to school means back to cybersecurity threats. As we launch into a new school year, security and access concerns—like DDoS attacks, PII protection, and safe account creation—are swirling around like tornados, ready to wreak havoc.
Get ready to make a splash in ClassLink Academy, where exciting opportunities abound! 💦 With an array of achievements, from gamification victories to cybersecurity awareness and L&D awards opening, there's plenty to discover. 😎 Take the plunge and immerse yourself in the latest ClassLink Academy updates.
We all get stuck sometimes! Students, teachers, and everyone in between are presented with challenges in their lives that can seem almost impossible to overcome or think through. It can be difficult to break down an issue and brainstorm solutions.
In today’s digital landscape, hackers and bad actors have developed increasingly sophisticated methods. Their main goal is to steal personal information for malicious purposes and wreak havoc on your system. There are many digital pitfalls.
Digital learning is fantastic for a lot of reasons. (Hello, personalization, learning from anywhere, and gamification!) But hiccups–like forgotten passwords and problems finding apps–eat away at the time teachers and students have for all that awesomeness.
Looking for reliable lesson plans, engaging learning resources, and more? Look no further than the Smithsonian! Many of us know of the Smithsonian as a collection of incredible museums and zoos but it has even more to offer than you might have realized!
Beginning July 5, 2023 ClassLink has been monitoring and assisting schools investigate posts of directory data (Posted Directory Data) made on https://breachforums.vc/ by a threat actor named “FentanylTroia”. Collectively, the posts now impact 223+ organizations, nearly all of which are K12 or Higher Ed orgs, and the directory data for 4.5+ million people (for nearly all the institutions, only name and emails were posted, thus the description ‘directory data’… most in the industry do not consider name and email to be ‘Personally Identifiable Information’ (PII)).
SAML signing certificates are essentially SSL certificates that ensure messages come from the expected identity and service providers. SAML certificates authenticate and secure SAML requests, responses, and assertions between software systems.
As humans, we do our best to support one another; however, sometimes it’s simpler for us to connect with our trusted animal friends to destress, express ourselves more freely, and find a place of emotional comfort. That’s where therapy dogs come in!
Summer has arrived, and ClassLink Academy is sizzling with excitement. ☀️ We've got new Roster Server and LaunchPad CMC Professional certifications that make excellent summer training resources (and we're sharing free exam codes below). Plus, we've added OneSync Rollover steps to the BTS checklist, and we've been nominated for a Learning and Development Award.
We know it’s a hectic time of year, but we’re here to help with plenty of BTS resource options. This month we’re sharing a new virtual event for admins and walking you through the next steps in our BTS Checklist. We’ve even added quick micro-videos to make steps super clear. Let’s get started!
As selfless people pleasers, teachers don’t often put their needs first, and with so much focus on other aspects of education, administrators, and leadership also overlook educator well-being. However, with the rapidly rising number of educators looking to leave the profession, it has become glaringly obvious that educator mental health must be prioritized.
It’s that time of year again when school administrators are closing the books on the 22/23 school year and preparing for the 23/24 school year. There’s a lot to do, so be sure to review Step 3 of the Back-to-School Checklist and check out our product-specific reminders below!
We’ve updated the Deal Board with new deals from powerful apps that focus on math, motivation, and workplace management–First in Math, CritterCoin, and Grouptrail–just in time for summer spending. Watch in the coming months for new deals! New additions to the Deal Board will be made every six months starting in July.
You’ve set yourself up for success by being choosy about the best platform for your school or institution. You’ve cultivated gorgeous feeds by providing high-quality, goal-focused content while also staying engaged with your audience! Now it’s time to put the cherry on top—use all tools at your disposal to make sure your presence packs a punch!
Unfortunately, the web is filled with fake login pages for many popular sites (Google, Microsoft, all the social media sites, etc.). Just google “fake login page”, and you’ll see tons of hits. Cybercriminals who want to steal sensitive information create these fake login pages.
You’ve found the best place for your message and created eye-wateringly delicious pages that align with your institution. Now it’s time to turn up the heat by setting goals for your marketing activities! It’s crucial to establish goals for your social media. Instead of posting blindly, ask yourself: “What do I want to accomplish for my school, institution, or district?”
ClassLink’s approach to vendor partnerships creates an environment where plug-and-play and interchanging apps aren’t just possible—they’re seamless. That approach is consistent with an educator’s mindset. As they learn, grow, and try new things, there is always an opportunity for new technologies to come into play.
As April showers wash away the winter chill and bring things back to life, we’re joining in here at ClassLink Academy, showering you with fresh updates! 🌧️ We’re sharing our brand new Arabic course, the latest in Roster Server, announcing gamification winners, and a few other tidbits. So put on your rain boots and hop into a puddle of what’s happening at ClassLink Academy. 💦
You’ve started arranging your presence in the digital world by choosing the best networks to support your school—now, it’s time to set the table! You’ll want everything arranged just so in order to attract the following you crave. Check out the tips below to discover what makes a quality social media presence.
It’s imperative to prepare students for an increasingly technologically advanced world– especially considering the fact that many current students are likely to be working in professions that don’t even exist yet! In this episode, Metaverse and AI in Education (Episode 103), we sat down with Dr. Wednaud J. Ronelus who has been trailblazing the use of AI and innovative teaching techniques in his classroom for decades.
No matter your feelings about social media, one thing is certain: social media has become an essential part of our daily lives. Which is why it’s no surprise that many schools and education organizations have recognized the importance of social media in education!
ClassLink’s approach to vendor partnerships creates an environment where plug-and-play and interchanging apps aren’t just possible—they’re seamless. That approach is consistent with an educator’s mindset. As they learn, grow, and try new things, there is always an opportunity for new technologies to come into play.
It’s that fresh and dewy time of year! Temperatures are going up, the likelihood of snow is going down, and Old Man Winter is packing it in for the year (hopefully). Here at ClassLink Academy, we’re excited to introduce you to our team, show you how we’re amping up help center articles, and share a seed that has finally bloomed, the Certified Cybersecurity Rubric Evaluator (CCRE). Let’s take a closer look at what’s budding at ClassLink Academy! 🌷
From amazing writers, to incredible school leaders, and forward-thinking educators, it has been our immense pleasure to sit down with and learn from innovative individuals from all walks of life! As we celebrate our 100th episode, A Retrospective on Our Podcasting Journey, we take a look at some of our “fireflies”, a term coined by our friend Kevin Honeycutt, to describe individuals who light up our lives.
In order to communicate effectively and maintain harmony, it’s vital to see things from the point of view of others, especially when it comes to competing points of view. Monica Guzman is an expert in exactly that. In this episode, I Never Thought of It That Way (Episode 92), we linked up with Guzman as she focuses on the most important ingredients for bringing people together–trust, receptiveness, and curiosity.
Now there’s a digital space where you can connect with (and learn from) other ClassLink Admins. The new ClassLink Community is the perfect place to post your questions and share best practices. Once you register, you’ll have access to your state or regional community group and a global community group.
It’s the new year, and we’re excited to share what’s happening with ClassLink Academy. We’re announcing our gamification champions, exploring the wonderful world of CEUs, and checking out the latest “What’s New” videos. Let’s take a look at what’s happening!
ClassLink’s approach to vendor partnerships creates an environment where plug-and-play and interchanging apps aren’t just possible—they’re seamless. That approach is consistent with an educator’s mindset. As they learn, grow, and try new things, there is always an opportunity for new technologies to come into play.
Beginning her educational career as a kindergarten teacher and now serving as a Chief Technology Officer for North Carolina’s largest school district, Marlo Gaddis is one of the most influential educators in the state. Her work and leadership in technology gained her the distinction of being awarded the 2022 Technology Director of the Year from the North Carolina Technology in Education Society.
Oh, the weather outside...may vary depending on where you find yourself. Regardless, this is the perfect time of year to cuddle up with a nice cup of something warm and enjoy some light reading. Grab your favorite mug, and we'll serve up what's new in ClassLink Academy!
ClassLink’s approach to vendor partnerships creates an environment where plug-and-play and interchanging apps aren’t just possible—they’re seamless. That approach is consistent with an educator’s mindset. As they learn, grow, and try new things, there is always an opportunity for new technologies to come into play.
We’re improving the ClassLink Management Console (CMC)! As part of that work, we’ve added a new Security Report section in the CMC that will give you loads of useful security-focused information. For phase one of this upgrade, we’ve added two new security reports you can use to help enforce security policies. (Watch for more reports coming soon!).
It’s officially fall, there’s a spine-tingling chill in the air, and we’ve got a few great things cooking in our cauldron just for you. Learning and Development awards are open for submissions, we’re highlighting new Professional Development courses, and we’re announcing Quarter 3 winners while celebrating the kick-off of Quarter 4 gamification.
What if you knew exactly what to expect when it comes to service and data security before ever paying a dime for your edtech? No surprises, disappointments, or frustrations. Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? That is precisely the kind of peace of mind ClassLink’s ISO Certifications offer you.
ClassLink’s approach to vendor partnerships creates an environment where plug-and-play and interchanging apps aren’t just possible—they’re seamless. That approach is consistent with an educator’s mindset. As they learn, grow, and try new things, there is always an opportunity for new technologies to come into play.
When it comes to professional development (PD) for teachers, it’s time to change the status quo. That’s where Rich Czyz comes in! In this episode, Rogue Leader (Episode 78), we linked up with Czyz as he discusses the ways in which professional development can be revolutionized to stay relevant and useful to teaching staff.
It’s been proven time and again that a more diverse, inclusive workplace produces happier employees, more well-rounded problem-solving, and innovative solutions. That’s where ClassLink’s Management Professional Accelerator Coaching and Training (MPACT) program comes in!
ClassLink’s approach to vendor partnerships creates an environment where plug-and-play and interchanging apps aren’t just possible—they’re seamless. That approach is consistent with an educator’s mindset. As they learn, grow, and try new things, there is always an opportunity for new technologies to come into play.
It’s that time of year! School’s back in session, the weather is cooling down, and the leaves are changing! We’ve changed a few things too. We’re bringing you the latest in Q3 gamification, tidbits about the ClassLink Learning & Development Awards, our What’s New series, and the scoop on expired certifications.
